Groton City mayoral candidates speak out about Derby trips
Groton — Republican Town Councilor Harry Watson, a candidate for Groton City mayor, said he and his Republican running mates would demand "full restitution" from Groton Utilities officials who took trips to the Kentucky Derby and The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia.
"We have had enough of City Hall insiders taking expensive trips with money that should be used to reduce electric bills for seniors, families and businesses," he said in a prepared statement.
The trips were organized and paid for through the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative, of which Groton Utilities is a member.
The Groton City Board of Ethics met behind closed doors Wednesday to discuss one ongoing ethics complaint investigation and consider whether to investigate three additional complaints connected to the trips.
Deputy Mayor Keith Hedrick, Democratic candidate for city mayor, said the city should follow its process.
"I know people are angry and they want restitution," he said. "But we have a process, we have to follow the process, and when the Board of Ethics delivers a recommendation, then the mayor and the council will act."
Watson said he also supports legislative efforts to open the cooperative's financial records and add ratepayers to its board.
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