Former Mayoral Candidate Appointed To Hamden Legislative Council

HAMDEN, CT — Former firefighter and Republican mayoral candidate Bob Anthony has been appointed to fill a vacancy on the Hamden Legislative Council.

Anthony fills the vacant seat left by longtime Councilwoman Marjorie Bonadies, who resigned in May.

Anthony lost to former Mayor Curt Balzano Leng in the special election in 2015 to finish the term of former Mayor Scott Jackson after he resigned to accept a position in then Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s administration. Anthony also ran against Jackson in the 2013 election.

The Hamden Republican Town Committee released a statement Monday after the Legislative Council voted to confirm Anthony’s appointment, saying it was “thrilled” that the council was able to “reach a favorable decision.”

“When Bob was chosen as the Republican nominee for the vacant seat left by longtime Councilwoman Marjorie Bonadies, we were confident that his experience and demeanor would prove him to be the right choice to fill the role,” the Hamden Republican Town Committee said in the statement. “Bob Anthony is a lifelong Hamden resident with decades of dedicated service to the Town in various roles. For over 25 years, Bob served as a Hamden Firefighter with more than 20 years as a member of the Professional Firefighters Local 2687, including a stint as President.

“Additionally, Bob has built a track record of bipartisan action in Hamden, serving for decades with the Registrar of Voters Office in administering Hamden’s municipal elections. He has been integral in labor negotiations with multiple Town administrations, prioritizing the needs of Town employees and working for Hamden’s best interest. Bob Anthony served our nation and is recognized as a United States Army Veteran.

“We trust that as a member of the Legislative Council, Bob will make it a priority to serve Hamden residents as a voice for fiscal responsibility, be an authority in labor discussions, an advocate for first responders, emergency workers and Town employees, and strongly committed to public safety.

“The Hamden Republicans are wishing Bob the best of luck in his new position serving residents of the 9th District as their Legislative Council representative.”

Anthony’s term on the Legislative Council will end in Jan. 2024, following a general election in Nov. 2023.