Gordon and McGoldrick Bow Out of November Elections

Two long-time Meriden city councilors have said they will bow out of this year's elections, one to possibly seek higher office, the other to spend more time with his family. 

Keith Gordon and George McGoldrick, Democrats with a combined 27 years on the council, have each told the Democratic Town Committee that they will not run for re-election this November. 

"It's really a shame to lose this much institutional knowledge. When we talk flood control, when we talk schools, they can tell you about Washington, about Lincoln (Middle Schools)..." said Democratic Town Committee Chair Mildred Torres-Ferguson Wednesday night, who added that she would also miss the two on a personal level.

"It's a sad time, but it's an exciting time," Torres-Ferguson said, of finding new people to run. She is seeking out new candidates for her party to nominate by the state deadline of July 26.

Gordon released a formal letter to the press this week (attached in PDF), detailing his decision and his accomplishments since being elected to represent Meriden's Area 4 in 1996.

"This was not a decision that came easy, but it is the right time for me," the letter said. "It is possible that some opportunities may come to me in the near future and remaining in my Council position might conflict with these opportunities."

Gordon clarified these opportunities following a city council meeting Tuesday night, saying that if state Rep. Chris Donovan (D-Meriden) runs for U.S. Congressman Chris Murphy's (D-5) seat in 2012, , he would consider a run for Donovan's current spot. He said he felt that campaigning for both roles wouldn't be fair to constituents and would make fundraising difficult. 

Gordon currently serves as the council's Democratic Majority Leader and is vice chair of its Finance Committee, as well as a member of the Public Safety Committee. In his letter, Gordon pointed out a number of city accomplishments – primarily safety, health and school related – he said he was proud to have led or been involved with, including mandating CPR in the curriculum of Meriden Schools, lobbying the council for continued funding for the city's Neighborhood Initiative Policing Program, and working with city administration to improve the city's bond ratings over the years.

The councilor will continue his role with the city as Chief of the South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department, and in his job with Cheshire grocery wholesaler Bozzuto's . 

McGoldrick said by phone Wednesday night that he and his wife had been discussing his leaving the City Council since the previous November. Now empty-nesters, he said "after 12 years on the council, I want to make more time for her." 

McGoldrick, who was first elected to represent the city's Area 1 in 1999, is chair of the city's influential Finance Committee, and a member of the Economic Development, Housing and Zoning committee.

The councilor was the target of an ethics inquiry this spring for what some perceived as a conflict of interest between his role as a city councilor and an architectural consultant for the firm the city . McGoldrick was cleared by city's ethics board in May, according to the Record-Journal.

McGoldrick said he's been proud of the council's accomplishments in the last decade plus, and that of his own work -- particularly with the Finance Committee, "I feel the satisfaction in having given back to the community."

Gordon's letter mentions McGoldrick as well, saying that the city has saved thousands of dollars on his suggestion, by implementing a 90-day freeze on hiring of non-public safety positions that open up.

Both major parties will have to nominate candidates by July 26 for the November 8 general elections. This year, elections will be held for the following positions:

• Mayor - Currently held by Michael S. Rohde (D)
• City Clerk - Currently held by Irene Masse (R)
• Area 1 City Councilor - Currently held by George McGoldrick (D)
• Area 2 City Councilor - Currently held by Matthew Dominello (D)
• Area 3 City Councilor - Currently held by Brian Daniels (D)
• Area 4 City Councilor - Currently held by Keith Gordon (D)
• At Large City Councilor - Currently held by John Thorp (D)
• At Large City Councilor - Currently held by Walt Shamock (We the People)
• Board of Education Member - Currently held by Rob Kosienski (R)
• Board of Education Member - Currently held by Mark Hughes (D)
• Board of Education Member - Currently held by Tom Bruenn (D)
• Board of Education Member - Currently held by John Lineen (D)