Enfield Town Councilor Asked To Resign By Democratic Colleagues

ENFIELD, CT — Five Democratic members of the Enfield Town Council have asked for the resignation of fellow Democrat Nick Hopkins.

Mayor Bob Cressotti, Deputy Mayor Gina Cekala and councilors Cindy Mangini, John Santanella and Matt Despard signed the following letter sent to Enfield Patch, addressed to "Residents of the Town of Enfield":

"Over the weekend Democratic members of the Enfield Town Council asked for the resignation of Councilor Nick Hopkins.

"Councilor Hopkins has been removed from his committee assignments. In addition, the leadership of Enfield Democratic Town Committee has informed Councilor Hopkins they will not be supporting him for election this Fall."

Hopkins, 30, a Connecticut deputy assistant public defender, was a political newcomer when he defeated incumbent Republican Charlotte Riley for the District 4 council seat in the 2021 municipal election. Among his committee assignments are blight review, public works and leisure services.

He told Patch Monday morning he was scheduled to meet with Cressotti last Friday, but was surprised when Cekala, Democratic town chair Virginia Higley and co-vice chairs Lewis Fiore and Ian Graves were also present.

"I was told I disagree with the mayor too often, and don't always go along with the majority," he said. "There has to be room for differences. I've done my best to represent District 4, and I feel I will be re-nominated by the district members. I will not step down; I will continue on as elected by the people of District 4."

Hopkins said though he will not be endorsed by the town committee, he plans to run again in November "as a Democratic District 4 candidate."

Cressotti would not comment further when contacted by Patch.

Cekala, after initially declining further comment, later emailed Patch, stating, "Councilor Hopkins can put whatever spin on this issue he chooses. The reasons Councilor Hopkins was asked to resign are not the ones stated by him. He was asked to resign due to what we believe is a breach of confidentiality. He has lost the confidence of our Democratic caucus."