40 and done. Wallingford’s Dickinson will not seek 21st term as mayor.

Let the word go forth: William Dickinson told the Wallingford Republican Town Committee Wednesday night he will not seek re-election after 40 years as mayor, the Record Journal reports. Dickinson has won 20 two-year terms in a row.

In 2021, Dickinson had his closest result in 30 years, defeating 25 year old Democrat Riley O’Connell by 396 votes. O’Connell, who raised $40,000 and knocked on thousands of doors in his contests against Dickinson, is seeking the Democratic nomination for mayor again this year.

It was a busy night in Wallingford politics. In a double act, immediately following Dickinson’s announcement, Republican Town Council Chairman Vincent Cervoni declared his candidacy for mayor. Other Republicans are expected to join the race.

Published March 9, 2023.