ALL PRO-SEGARRA CROWD SWEARS IN HARTFORD MAYOR FOR SECOND TIME
By Johnny Mason Inquiring News
Hartford - Pedro E. Segarra was sworn in Tues- day to his first full term as Hartford’s 66th mayor to loud applause. “This is where the real work be- gins,” Segarra said to about 400 people who lined all three floors of the City Hall atrium. “I look forward to working with everyone to move Hartford forward.”
At left: Newly elected council member, Cynthia Jennings, (Re-elected) Larry Deutsch, (Center Back) Newly elected council member Kyle Anderson, (Center Front) Mayor Pedro E. Segarra, Newly elected council member Raul DeJesus and Elected City Treasurer Adam Cloud.
Photo by Merle Davis.
Shortly after being sworn in, Segarra listed his achievements and detailed his plan for rejuvenating Hartford. High on his list is investing in all city neigh- borhoods, education reform and creating jobs for youths, Segarra said.
The former city council president, Segarra has been mayor for the past 18 months – taking the oath minutes after the resignation of former mayor Eddie Perez in June 2010. “I think Pedro’s some- one who’s honorable, self- less and really sincere when it comes to doing things for the city,” said former state representative Art Feltman. The mayor referred to previous accomplishments of having blighted demol- ished and improving rela- tions between residents and City Hall workers. His top priorities, he said, will to be continue to fight crime, to make the city a safer place, to ease the tax burden for residents and business own- ers and to work closely with state leaders to receiving funding for jobs. ‘‘I like him a lot,” said longtime community activist Hyacinth Yennie. “He’s got a good heart. I hope he can work with the council because he can’t do it alone.”
Segarra thanked Daryl Roberts, recently retired Hartford police chief, for his three decades with the city police department and espe- cially for being a positive role model for city youths. “Today is a new day,” Segarra said. “Hartford, will you stand with me? ” Long- time City Hall critic and blogger Kevin Brookman questioned if anyone really wanted to hear his opinion on Segarra and the newly formed council. He was op- timistic, though, saying, as are other people, he’s hoping the council and Segarra can get along to work for the good of the people.
City Clerk John Bazzano, serving as master of ceremo- nies, opened by welcoming several state and local poli- ticians, including U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, Attor- ney General George Jepsen, and former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, who is running as an outsider for the U.S. Senate. Bysiewicz called the swearing-in cer- emony a “celebration of de- mocracy,” involving people who serve not for “financial reward, but “because they believe in the city.” “Pedro has done a terrific job,” she said.
In addition to Segarra, City Treasurer Adam Cloud and city council members also were sworn in Tuesday night. Cloud, a lawyer, who was elected in November to his first full term, was sworn in by his father, Sanford Cloud Jr., who gave his son a handshake and a hug. The council is made up of re-elected Luis Cotto, Larry Deutsch Kenneth Kennedy and Alexander Aponte and newcomers Kyle Anderson, Raul DeJesus, Cynthia Jennings, David McDonald and Shawn Wooden, who was appointed council president.
The council debated be- tween Wooden and longtime council member Kennedy before picking Wooden, who before dropping out, had run against Segarra for mayor. ‘I think it’s an exciting time,” Cotto said. “With five new members, I think we have an interesting council.”
West Hartford, CT – December 14, 2011 – NBC Connecticut Anchor Keisha Grant has been named one of the “100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut” by the Connecticut chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The award was presented in a ceremony at the Hartford Hilton on Saturday, December 10th, 2011. 
