Official Criticized About Sign in Climate Debate

City Council members are criticizing a city finance official for what they say is “mocking” a Council member during debate on a climate change resolution.

Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. (D-5), the Council’s Majority Leader directed residents to the video of the Council meeting, saying, “you will see Jonathan Perugini, Deputy Finance Director for the City of New Britain, mocking Alderman Ayalon and flashing the ‘HI MOM’ to the amusement of others on the council and in the audience.”

In the video Ald. Willie Pabon (R-1) can be seen laughing about the sign during discussion by Ald. Aram Ayalon (D-3) about the climate change resolution in October 9, 2019 Council meeting.

“It was not a slip,” said Carlozzi, “it was intentional. Such childish inappropriate behavior should not be tolerated from any city employee especially not such a high ranking city employee.”

Ayalon said that the incident occurred while he was, “reading the Climate Change Emergency declaration – a very serious matter that requires emergency response by the city. Someone has to discipline this employee.”

Ayalon went on to say that, “The guy that is holding the ‘hi mom’ sign is Jonathan Perugini, the deputy Finance Director of New Britain City – a six figure high level employee of the city. Very disrespectful.”

“He wouldn’t dare doing it unless he knew this administration supports such behavior,” Ayalon added.

Carlozzi agreed, saying, “He did this knowing full well that he would not be reprimanded by his superior or the Mayor. He has displayed his disdain for other Democrats on the Council when he has been called up to answer questions.”

Noting that Perugini, “makes six figures plus and was on comp time while at the meeting,” Carlozzi said, “I call for him to be reprimanded and a full public apology to Alderman Ayalon and the residents of the City of New Britain.”

The Council approved the climate resolution unanimously.

Editor’s note (10/11/2019): Republican Mayor Erin Stewart and Mr. Perugini were asked for comments, but did not respond.