On maneuvers: Fonfara strengthens his role in Hartford’s future with appointment to MIRA Dissolution Authority.

State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) this week appointed his colleague state Senator John Fonfara (D-Hartford) to the MIRA Dissolution Authority. The appointment came 15 days after Fonfara received the fewest votes of the three candidates competing in Hartford’s Democratic primary for mayor.

The appointment will give Fonfara enhanced influence in determining what role the 80-acre former trash-to-energy plant site can play in the development of Hartford’s South Meadows. The new agency will have until July 1, 2026 to complete its tasks.

With Fonfara, who retains his influential position as co-chair of the legislature’s finance committee, on the MIRA Dissolution Authority, the new administration will discover how diffuse power in Hartford can often be, the staying power of discontent and there are substantive ways to “believe in Hartford” that transcend campaign slogans.

William DiBella memorably told an incensed legislator the Hartford Democrat outmaneuvered on a committee vote, “I’m not here to give you a civics lesson.” School is back in session. The lesson is the same, only the instructor has changed.

Published September 29, 2023.