Recent statements by Republican Mayor Erin Stewart appear to contrast with the treatment of a Republican Council member after harassment and stalking allegations.
After widely condemned misogynistic comments directed at Stewart by a Democratic Council candidate, Stewart was quoted in the New Britain Herald saying, “You would think that in this era of women’s movement, that saying these things about someone who you might potentially have to work with is unconscionable.”
Stewart added, “Regardless of political views and parties, we can’t tolerate that kind of behavior in New Britain,” and said that, “it’s pathetic to say things like that in 2019.”
But those statements appear to be contrasted by what happened, or did not happen, to a Republican Council member during 2016 and 2017, when Stewart’s Republican Party held a 12 to 3 Council majority.
In September of 2016, city taxpayers had pay to $9,500 to settle a lawsuit and Human Rights and Opportunities complaint brought by a female City Council employee against then Republican City Council member Louis Salvio (R-1).
The employee apparently alleged that Salvio harassed and stalked her, including driving by her house.
In spite of the city settling with a monetary payment to the employee, Salvio remained in office more than a year longer, until his term expired in November of 2017.
Critics of Stewart have sought to argue that Stewart and city and state Republicans apply a lower standard of conduct to Republican politicians.
This week, Stewart critics distributed an image, allegedly of Stewart referring to a female election candidate as a, “b-tch.”
In the image, Stewart allegedly referred to, “the lady running against dad,” which appears to be about the 2011 State Senate special election between then Republican Mayor Timothy Stewart, Erin Stewart’s father, and then former Rep. Terry Gerratana. Gerratana went on to defeat Stewart to win the Senate seat. Erin Stewart, herself, was elected to the Board of Education later that year and as mayor two years later.
Democratic mayoral candidate Chris Porcher, upon recently learning of the misogynistic comments directed at Stewart, said that, “I condemn such language. As a leader, I strive to embody the ethical practices to have a positive impact and encourage respect for all of our residents. I do not condone the use of derogatory language, bullying, public humiliation or hate speech.”
Stewart faces Porcher and petitioning candidate Deivone Tanksley in the League of Women Voters debate today.
