Mayor Casts Tie-Breaking Vote; Town Pays Tribute to Teen; Municipal Mediation; City Leader Switching Careers

STRATFORD – When a Republican Councilman broke ranks with his party and voted against the town budget – forcing a tie - the mayor had to step in and be the deciding vote.

Stratford residents will now see a 2.5 percent tax increase when the new fiscal year starts on July 1.

Read the full story for more details on the vote and reactions.

NORTH BRANFORD – A tribute to a teen who died in a speeding car accident has one message to motorists: slow down.

The message is posted on signs that are popping up around town, to raise awareness and to spread the word about an upcoming 5K run in memory of Matt Picciuto, who died on May 23, 2009.

Click here to read more about this effort.

BRANFORD – If a new proposal pans out, Branford could become the first town in the state to use mediation services in municipal matters.

Town officials are discussing this possibility with Joe Brummer, who is the associate executive director of New Haven-based Community Mediation Inc.

“Conflict is a guarantee,” Brummer says. “Whether or not you handle it adversarial or collaboratively is the key to whether or not you have pleasant meetings.”

It’s this philosophy that he believes will help police, fire and town employees in their jobs and, ultimately, lead to a more well managed, civil town.

Check out the article for more on this plan.

MILFORD – The mayor shocked political pundits and community members alike with his announcement this week that he would not seek another term.

Ten-year Mayor James Richetelli Jr. has instead accepted a position as deputy school superintendent of operations – a move that nets him a raise of more than $40,000 per year.

Richetelli, who took office shortly after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, reflects on his tenure as the city’s leader. Check out the article to find out what he considers to be his most significant accomplishments.