Politics & Government

A Shake Up is Coming: Four Council Members Say Goodbye Monday

Regardless of how the election turns out, there will be a new look Council next month. Councilors John Dobbins, Peter Romano, Al Natelli and Louis Martocchio all took part in their last meeting Monday.

When the Southington Town Council next meets on Nov. 12, the make-up will be entirely different.

Four of the six sitting Republicans said goodbye Monday as the council met for the final time before the upcoming elections. Chairman John Dobbins, Vice Chairman Peter Romano and councilors Al Natelli and Louis Martocchio are all not seeking reelection, leaving the slate open for new faces in the future.

"It's bittersweet," Natelli said. "For those of us here, it was just time. We've given up time with family and friends, time seeing our kids play sports, to make the community better for all of us."

With the exception of Martocchio, who joined the council in May 2012 after the resignation of former Council Chairman Edward Pocock III, those leaving have served multiple terms. During this time, they said, they have made friends throughout town and tackled issues including the Gura Building, Southington Municipal Center and more.

Dobbins said the decision was an easy one. In an interview earlier this year, he said he has enjoyed serving the community but that it was time for a break and to let others be a part of the process. None of the four have completely ruled out a return to politics down the road.

Art Secondo, a former Democratic councilman and president of the Southington Chamber of Commerce, took to the podium Monday evening to thank them for their service and said they each brought unique talents that helped provide insight on the council.

"There are many challenges that fall on town councilors," Secondo said. "Challenges like never going out without being in that official position, of having to listen and balance the opinions of everyone in town. Your services are more than appreciated and we hope to continue working with you guys."

With the door now shut on another chapter, the stage is now set for Nov. 5, when the four seats are up for grabs - along with the five incumbents seeking reelection.

For more on elections, be sure to stay tuned as the candidates are presented on Patch this week and be sure to check out our elections section.

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