New London — Democratic mayoral candidate Michael Passero on Wednesday received an endorsement from retired state Sen. Andrea Stillman.

Stillman, who served as senator in the 20th district for 10 years until her retirement last year, called Passero “the best candidate for the mayor of the New London who will help the City of New London move forward.”

Stillman, who is also a former state representative, said she had the opportunity to work with Passero on many issues while she was in office but had had little contact with incumbent Democratic Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio.

“In the years the current mayor has been the mayor, and the years I was in the Senate, I don’t remember ever working with him on anything,” she said.

Stillman said she never considered Finizio a “team player,” and depended on Passero to answer questions and help resolve issues vital to the city.

Passero said he was overwhelmed by Stillman’s endorsement.

“I can’t tell you how much it means to me to have the endorsement of … a person I admire for her public service,” Passero said.

Passero squared off against Finizio in a debate Thursday evening at New London High School.

The Democratic primary next month will determine the candidates in the November general election.

One or both of the Democrats could go on to face Republican mayoral candidate Bill Vogel.

Passero has secured enough signatures to be on the November ballot as a petitioning candidate should he lose in the primary.

g.smith@theday.com

Twitter: @SmittyDay