STRATFORD — Mayoral candidate James Miron said he'd probably sue if Town Attorney Kevin C. Kelly rules him ineligible to run for office in November. "I know that my candidacy is legitimate," Miron, who is also an attorney, said Tuesday, adding that he expects Kelly's motives to be purely political. "I don't believe there is any question of my constitutional right to run for office," he said. "We have to see where we are after the decision. If it's no,' we'll likely be in court." Kelly was asked in April to determine whether Miron is eligible to run for mayor, given that he was a member of the Charter Revision Commission in 2003. John E. Rich, chairman of former Town Council Chairman Robert Calzone's mayoral campaign, raised questions about Miron's eligibility last month. The Town Charter states that "no person who serves on any charter revision commission may accept any salaried position with the town for a period of four years after the commission disbands, with the exception of any person currently employed by the town," the charter reads.
Miron contends that this portion of the charter refers to mayoral appointees. Miron said questions of his candidacy have been on the minds of some town residents he's talked to. "For some people, it is at least a question," he said. "There are some people who see through it as politics."
Miron had opposed the transition to a mayoral form of town government. He and Calzone are both seeking the Democratic nomination for mayor, along with Dennis E. Brodelin, a former councilman and Democratic Town Committee chairman. Kelly is a member of the Republican Town Committee.
Democratic Town Committee Chairman Anthony Schrillo demanded last month that Kelly recuse himself from the decision.
Town Clerk Patricia Ulatowski said she's spoken with Ted Bromley, staff attorney for the state Legislative and Elections Administration Division, and determined that until further notice, Miron is eligible to run. Kelly and Bromley could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Miron's eligibility to run for mayor is determined by state statute, which states that Miron is a legitimate candidate as a registered town voter over 18 years old, Ulatowski said. Eligibility to become a municipal officer is determined by town charter, Ulatowski said, adding that she will nonetheless follow Kelly's directions. The two parties are set to endorse mayoral candidates in July, with possible primary elections to follow in September. Frank Washkuch Jr., who covers Stratford, can be reached at 330-6287.
