Jim Wyskiewicz is the Democrat running for mayor against incumbent Republican Timothy Stewart. Careful readers of this blog will note that once upon a time I included Wyskiewicz on a “Wall of Shame” for taking a side on the Common Council with which I happened to disagree. I just want to make it clear that I believe that Wyskiewicz deserves a clean slate for his mayoral run. Getting a Democratic mayor for this city is too important.

So when I went to the New Britain DTC candidates forum last week, I expected to take some shit about that post. I’m pleased to report that the elected Democrats in New Britain (Alderman and Mayoral Candidate Jim Wyskiewicz included) have a healthy sense of humor, and thick skins.

Without further ado, here is a portion of Wyskiewicz’ presentation to the New Britain DTC, where he talks about why he is running:

The New Britain Herald filed a report of the meeting last Friday, wherein the city’s less-than-tactful mayor is quoted as describing the New Britain Democrats thusly: “They are all liars”

Relevant excerpt, with context, emphasis added:

The strongest charges against Stewart came from Democratic Town Committee Chairman John McNamara, who said the mayor had been quoted as saying he would not speak to the governor about state funding, “but he did go up [to the state capitol] to seek a piece of not-so-visible legislation about his own personal needs.”
State Rep. Peter Tercyak, D-26th District, who did not deliver a speech, later explained that McNamara was talking about: Stewart seeking “special legislation to improve his pension.”
Reached for comment by phone after the event, Stewart responded to the charges: “They are all liars.”
He did talk to M. Gov. Jodi Rell about the budget, on several occasions, Stewart said.
“I spent more time at the capital this session than I ever did, whether for regional waste authority, property tax relief” or a number of other issues affecting the city’s budget. “But I never did anything for my pension.”