Markeshia Ricks Photo
In two and a half years in office, Democratic Fair Haven Alder Santiago Berrios-Bones has risen to the position of the deputy majority leader and helped tackle the distribution of federal community development block grants.
He said he wants another term to tackle what has become a rallying point for several incumbent alders seeking re-election; to move the needle on jobs. But he’s not the only man after the job of representing Ward 14.
Berrios-Bones, who gathered with friends and family last Thursday at La Molienda restaurant on Grand Avenue to ask that they again support him for another term, will face a familiar face at the ballot box on election day.
Thomas Burwell (pictured at right in the photo), a lifelong Fair Havener who ran against in Berrios-Bones in the last election, wants another crack at the seat.
“I’ve got nothing against the current alder. He’s a nice man,” Burwell said Saturday during the Exchange Street block party. “I just believe I can do a better job.”
Burwell is challenging Berrios-Bones in a Democratic primary. A neighborhood activist, he promised to focus on better sidewalks, and traffic-calming measures, along with making sure that Fair Haven residents have access to community events, well maintained buildings for social events, community gardens and above all communication.
“I feel like I’m the voice of the Democratic party in this neighborhood, period,” he said.
“I am tired of the same old do-nothing representation that we’ve had. We need a leader who can present a vision, set goals, challenge us to do better, and can create positive, tangible change in the neighborhood. From houses, to businesses, factories, parks, rivers, streets, and corridors it’s time to start improving the infrastructure and social fabric of our neighborhoods. I believe I am the best candidate to begin this process,” Burwell wrote on his campaign website.
Berrios-Bones, like many of the alders who have announced reelection plans, focused on what he called a serious jobs crisis for black and Hispanic New Haveners, and he wants to continue to be a part of the “push forward” on employment.
“If we have qualified people here — and we do — if we can get them employed they are potential homeowners,” he said. “Homeowners become neighborhood association members and they take care of their neighborhood.”
Union organizers and other politicos were out last Thursday with ringing endorsements for Berrios-Bones.
New Haven Rising organizer Kenneth Reveiz (pictured at right) called Berrios-Bones “one of the leading figures in the city bringing people together.”
State Rep. Juan Candelaria (pictured at right) called him “the type of alder who is really engaged in the neighborhood.”
“He knows this community,” Candelaria said. He said Berrios-Bones has been known to call him during the legislative session to quiz him about the state of the budget, and to press him to do all he can to keep the city from having to raise taxes on residents of New Haven.
“And he has worked to make sure that Fair Haven nonprofits get their fair share,” Candelaria said.
Board of Alders Majority Leader Al Paolillo (pictured at right) called Berrios-Bones a “very unassuming and very humble,” but also an effective leader.
“Just in the last two months, he was elected to leadership,” Paolillo said. “That doesn’t happen by accident.” The Annex alder encouraged attendees to get out and knock on doors for Berrios-Bones.
“When you have something good, you don’t let it go,” he said. “You have served in a way that brings folks together and you all need to go out and support him on the streets because it is not easy to run a campaign.”
Berrios-Bones also received praise from the BOA Black and Hispanic Caucus co-chairs Hill Alder Dolores (pictured) Colon and Newhallville Alder Delphine Clyburn.
“He has been outstanding,” Colon said. “He’s a hard worker who doesn’t mind staying long hours and asking tough questions.”
Burwell has started a Gofundme drive seeking $20 apiece from 300 supporters. (You can see the names of the first nine contributors, as of Monday morning, here.) He also picked up a Facebook endorsement from an incumbent, Fair Haven Alder Michelle Perez.