Groton City Democrats back Hedrick for mayor; Bumgardner to challenge

Groton — The city Democratic Committee announced it has endorsed Mayor Keith Hedrick and a full slate of candidates for the May 3 city elections, while Town Councilor Aundre Bumgardner announced that he will collect signatures from residents to challenge Hedrick in a Democratic primary on March 8.

Last Thursday, the Democrats endorsed Megan Peters for city clerk, as City Clerk Deb Patrick will be retiring after 22 years of service. For City Council, they endorsed Gweneviere Depot, who is deputy mayor, Rashaad Carter, Lisa McCabe and Stephen Sheffield, as well as Paul Norris and Chris Piazza.

Hedrick, who is also the chairman of the Democratic Committee, said “We have a diverse group of candidates this time, like we typically do, and we have very strong candidates that represent the city and will be open to listening to the citizens’ concerns and working for the citizens in the City of Groton.”

At last Thursday’s meeting, Hedrick, who is running for his third term as mayor, received 14 votes and Bumgardner, a former state representative, received three votes, according to a news release from the committee.

Hedrick said in the release that he improved services over his two terms while lowering taxes for three years and keeping them level last year. The release also cited Groton Utilities’ installation of electric car charging stations at Washington Park and the mayor’s efforts to keep residents and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing services.

“Mayor Hedrick has developed strong community partnerships with Groton Town, regional towns, local businesses and nonprofit organizations,” according to the release. “There have been 16 businesses who have expanded or are new in the City. The City Police department is using body cams and have an upgraded radio system. The City Police are at the forefront of community policing by initiating a program for working with people on the autism spectrum and plan to expand that to those with dementia. This past year, the Police Community Together team was formed to address criminal justice issues.”

Bumgardner said in a news release that the result of the Jan. 14 committee meeting “was not a surprise, and is just the beginning of our effort to chart a new path for Groton City focusing on prudent and progressive leadership.”

“One week after announcing my candidacy, I have been overwhelmed by the support voiced by hundreds of City residents and by my fellow Democrats on the City Committee,” he added.

“Starting (Jan. 15), while maintaining social distance and following public health guidelines, I will be knocking on doors and meeting residents all over the city to listen to their concerns, share our vision, and ask for their support in leading our community in a new direction — for all,” he added.

Bumgardner also called on the mayor and City Council “to provide adequate resources for the upcoming Democratic primary” on March 8 so that the city clerk’s office and registrar of voters “can ensure that voters have access to the democratic process and can vote safely during the ongoing pandemic.”

Hedrick said: “We will take every effort during this time to ensure that the primary and the main elections are safe.” He added that the city demonstrated last year at the Municipal Building and Zbierski House that it was able to hold a safe election, with social distancing, during the pandemic.