Region: Green Party candidate to run for mayor of New London

Daughter of late peace activist Philip Berrigan joins race; Democrats,GOP in New London could finalize party slates tonight

New London — The New London Green Party plans to create a threeway race for mayor this fall.

The party has announced it is supporting community organizer and author Frida Berrigan in her run for mayor and have started a petition drive to secure her a spot on the ballot.

Berrigan, a newcomer to the political scene, is the daughter of Elizabeth McAlister and the late Philip Berrigan, a nationally known peace activist. She has a long history of involvement, “at the local and national level, in support of peace, social justice and environmental responsibility,” a statement from New London Green Party reads.

“I am a parent and a community gardener. I try to be a good neighbor. I have sought to support existing initiatives, show up in solidarity, lead from behind and create conversations. I am not an expert in anything. But, it seems to me that the mayor’s job is to be present and listen, catalyze conversation, invite inquiry and question assumptions. I can do that,” Berrigan said in a statement.

The Green Party is scheduled to hold its nominating convention at 5 p.m. on Aug. 4 at Riverside Park and is seeking candidates for other offices.

News of a new mayoral candidate came on the eve of meetings of the Democratic and Republican town committees. Both committees meet tonight to finalize their slates of candidates.

In addition to early support for incumbent mayoral candidate Michael Passero, Democrats plan to offer its 60-member committee full seven-member slates for both the City Council and Board of Education. The meeting is at 6:30 at Democratic headquarters at 38 Green St.

Republicans, who are backing City Councilor Marty Olsen’s run for mayor, are still working to solidify a list of candidates interested in running. They meet at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center.

Republican Town Committee Chairman Rob Pero said the list is fluid with several potential candidates considering runs for office and considering the responsibility and

commitment needed. He said that Susan Tierney, the lone Republican on the Board of Education, has expressed her desire to run again.

New London Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Martha Marx released a list of candidates chosen by a nominating committee. Other candidates may be nominated from the floor at the meeting.

City Council candidates are: incumbents John Satti, Efrain Dominguez and Alma Nartatez and newcomers James Burke, Reona Dyess, Kevin Booker Jr. and Curtis Goodwin.

Michael Tranchida has decided not to seek another term, Marx said.

Board of Education candidates are: incumbents Regina Mosley, Jefferey Hart and Jason Catala. Bryan Doughty, Lee Cornish-Muller, Elizabeth Reyes and Queenie Diaz will fill out the slate. A notable absence from the slate is Manny Rivera, the school board president and former school superintendent.

Rivera did not return a call seeking comment. Marx said he had not responded to the committee’s call for candidates.

Democrats will also take nominations from the floor at their meeting, which is open to all Democrats. Only members of the Democratic Town Committee, however, can vote on the nominees.