Kerri Rowland accepts Democratic nomination for mayor

In front of a standing-room-only crowd that packed the City Hall auditorium and flowed out into its marbled foyer, Kerri Rowland on Thursday night accepted her party’s unanimous vote to officially become Milford’s Democratic candidate for mayor.

“I can’t think of anyone with more integrity, or more capable to be Milford’s mayor, than Kerri,” said state Senator James Maroney, D-14, who nominated Rowland. “She’s calm under pressure, committed to transparency, and has dedicated most of her adult life to serving Milford and its residents.”

Thursday night’s Democratic Convention took place almost three months to the day, and just steps away, from where in April Rowland announced her intention to run for mayor before the start of the Board of Aldermen’s public hearing on Milford’s 2023-24 city and education budgets.

Like she did in April on the steps of City Hall, Rowland on Thursday asserted her commitment to fiscal responsibility. She also stressed the need for City Hall to support first responders, as well as to ensure that Milford continues to be a place where families want to raise their children, businesses want to do their work, and seniors want to spend their golden years. One of many strengths she will bring to the job, she said, is an ability to not just hear residents’ concerns, but to respond to them in an effective and timely manner.

“To me, being mayor means being accountable to residents, speaking openly and honestly about the problems and issues people care about, and then putting together the best team possible to make whatever kind of change or progress is needed,” Rowland said. “That’s how I’ve led as Milford’s Democratic Registrar of Voters, and how I will lead as Milford’s mayor.”

Noting how polarized politics has become, Rowland also asserted the need for bipartisan cooperation among city leaders as a necessity for Milford to continue to move forward as a vibrant, friendly and affordable community, where people want to work and live.

“As registrar, deputy registrar, and before that as a member of the Board of Aldermen, I’ve proven my ability to work side by side with both Republicans and Democrats to get things done. Working hard, treating people with respect to find a path forward even when you disagree – that’s how problems are solved. It’s what I do and will continue to do. I love this city.”

A former Little League coach, girls youth and high school hockey coach, and Milford umpire, Rowland, 53, is a lifelong Milford resident who has committed most of her adult life to public service.

Prior to serving as an alder and then being elected to the Registrars of Voters office in 2014, Rowland served on the city’s Parks, Beach, and Recreation Commission.

”I’m running for mayor because I believe that for Milford to be the strongest community possible – to best serve our residents and keep the city safe and affordable – we better need to come together with all voices, opinions and ideas heard,” she continued. “I’m prepared and excited to use my experience to lead that team.”

Board of Education Chair Susan Glennon, who seconded Rowland’s nomination, noted how when people talk about Rowland, words like “integrity” and “transparent” often become part of the conversation. Glennon also touted Rowland’s extensive budgeting experience and track record of fiscal responsibility.

“It’s an exciting time for Democrats and all of us who care about this ‘small city with a big heart’ to come together and work toward a common purpose,” Glennon said.

On Thursday night, Democratic City Clerk Karen Fortunati also accepted her party’s nomination to run for a third term. Members of Milford’s Democratic Town Committee also nominated their candidates to run for Board of Aldermen, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Board, and for constable.

Democratic Town Committee Chair Nija Phelps shared her pride in the quality and “Democratic principles” that the slate represents.

“These are people who support equality and equity in education, voting rights, reproductive rights and a strong economy, as well as the need to invest in health care, our infrastructure and ecology – values that are coming under attack both nationally and at the local level,” Phelps said. “However, I’m confident that with this team in place led by Kerri Rowland for mayor and Karen Fortunati for city clerk, we will win in November.”

The Democratic team includes nominees:

In the 1st District

• Michelle Parente and Matt Arciuolo for Board of Aldermen
• Gary Peluchette and Erin Pinsince for Board of Education
• Joseph Castignoli for Planning and Zoning

In the 2nd District

• Robert Pacelli and Ward Willis for Board of Aldermen
• Susan Glennon and Megan Doyle for Board of Education
• John Mortimer for Planning and Zoning

In the 3rd District

• Holly Mulrenan and PJ Healy for Board of Aldermen
• Una Petroske and Tracy Irby for Board of Education
• Robert Satti for Planning and Zoning

In the 4th District

• Phil Vetro and Jennifer Federico for Board of Aldermen
• Cindy Wolfe Boynton and Tom Koba for Board of Education
• Joe Alling for Planning and Zoning

In the 5th District

• Ellen Beatty and Carl Moore for Board of Aldermen
• Mike Smith and Lauren Mahler for Board of Education
• Marc Zahariades for Planning and Zoning

Citywide constable candidates for the Democrats are Ted Boynton, Linda Hardiman, Shaun Liebskind and Corey Satterfield.