Yesterday I got a press release from Phil Sherwood, a progressive Democrat and committed activist. It announces his intention to run for a seat on New Britain’s Common Council. Here’s an excerpt from the release:

Specifically Mr. Sherwood says he’s committed to fighting for stronger excessive noise ordinances and expanding the Senior Property Tax Relief Program which he believes do not go far enough. “It’s unfair to Seniors that they’re being forced to sell their homes after living in New Britain all their lives because of an unjust property tax system.”

Whether it’s expanding the Senior Property Tax Relief program or working with neighborhoods on improving public safety, Sherwood pledged to be an Alderman that is accessible to the taxpayers. “More than anything, I think people want a candidate at the local level that is willing not only to listen to their concerns but is willing to do something about them. I will work hard to be that Alderman,” said Mr. Sherwood.

Democratic Majority Leader of the New Britain City Council, Michael Trueworthy, has known Mr. Sherwood for years and welcomes “new faces” in local government. “I’ve known Phil for years and his commitment and work ethic have always impressed me. He cares deeply about the quality of life issues residents’ care about such as senior property tax relief and public safety. Sherwood would bring new energy and a positive voice to the council.”

I am excited that Phil is running for Common Council, and wanted to be among the first to introduce him to the local blogs. The New Britain Herald, however, beat me to the internet with a story:

Sherwood, 29, has established a campaign committee to officially declare his intentions to run as a Democrat in the upcoming municipal elections. In addition to his watchdog work, though, he is a staffer for Republican state Rep. Peter Tercyak, and he said he can work with Republicans as well as Democrats.
Sherwood is a member of the New Britain Democratic Town Committee.
“I’m encouraged that someone with Mr. Sherwood’s commitment to public service and support of the Democratic Party is interested in a council seat,” said Democratic Town Chairman John McNamara.
Sherwood works for the Connecticut Citizen Action Group, believed to be the state’s oldest and largest public interest watchdog group. As the group’s advocate at the state capitol in Hartford, he was active in the state’s historic passing of campaign finance reform. Now the group focuses on health care and other consumer issues, such as skyrocketing energy prices.

I feel it’s necessary to point out that Representative Peter Tercyak is absolutely not a Republican, despite the typo in this New Britain Herald article.