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Republican Town Committee To Hear From Candidates For Airey-Wilson's Council Seat

By Jenna Carlesso

December 06, 2010

The Hartford Republican Town Committee will meet tomorrow to hear from candidates vying for the city council seat being vacated by Veronica Airey-Wilson, a Republican.

So far, the town committee has received eight resumes from interested people, Chairman Michael McGarry said. Those who have sent in resumes include Steven Bonafonte, a former member of the Hartford Parking Authority; John O'Connell, a former city councilman; Gerry Pleasant, a former Hartford police deputy chief; Corey Brinson, who unsuccessfully challenged Jerry Farrell Jr. for the Republican nomination for Secretary of the State last August; Kevin B. Carroll, a Hartford attorney; Michael Lupo, who unsuccessfully challenged Hector Robles for the 6th House District seat in November as a write-in candidate; Michael Fryar, a Hartford attorney; and Sweets Wilson, a Hartford resident with no relation to Airey-Wilson.

The candidates will have five minutes to speak about what they hope to accomplish if chosen to replace Airey-Wilson. Town committee members will then vote for their favorite candidates.

McGarry said he will forward the resumes of the top three vote-getters to the city council for consideration.

City council members will receive the resumes before their next meeting on Dec. 13, McGarry said.

"This gives the council a chance to interview the three candidates if they want to," he said.

Airey-Wilson has applied for the city's voluntary retirement incentive program, through which she could receive four additional years of pension credit and free medical coverage. Her last day on the council will be Dec. 31.

The town committee will meet at 7 p.m. tomorrow at city hall.