New London — In the weeks leading up to this year’s election, Mayor Michael Passero and members of the all-Democratic council had taken criticism from social justice activists, Republicans and newspaper columnists alike.

Some argued the council leaned too left or was not transparent. Others complained the agenda was not progressive enough.

In the end, Democrats ushered in the newest batch of councilors Tuesday as part of a sweep that secured all available spots on both the City Council and Board of Education. All four incumbent councilors were reelected.

The new council will comprise Efrain Dominguez, John Satti, Reona Dyess, James Burke, Martha Marx, Carmen Jocelyn Rosario and Akil Peck.

It was the second consecutive election where all Democrats were elected to the council in a city that leans heavily Democratic. The city does not have a minority representation rule on the council or school board, thanks to an exemption written into state statute that allows the city's charter to supersede state law.

Turnout for Tuesday’s election was 18% of eligible voters, slightly lower than the 19.6% who turned out in the 2017 election, a comparable election in terms of open seats and number of voters. Turnout historically has been low for elections without a mayoral race.

In 2017, of the 15,795 eligible voters, 3,101 people voted. There were 15,788 registered voters on Tuesday, with 2,882 people casting ballots, according to the Registrar of Voters Office.

Mayor Michael Passero said Tuesday’s win was a vindication in ways for him and shows residents are satisfied with the direction he and the council have taken the city.

“I think absolutely it is a reflection of this administration,” Passero said of the election results.

He said his aim over the past six years was to make good on campaign promises that included development of a community recreation center, development of the waterfront and attracting more investments in the city to help boost revenues and stabilize taxes.

With help from the council, Passero said the community center is likely to break ground next year, housing is being built on long-vacant lots, development in Fort Trumbull is on the horizon and there are developers showing interest in transforming the waterfront.

“The investment in the city is robust. That’s what I felt people always wanted and were not getting," Passero said. "But ever since we’ve been engaged in bringing these goals to fruition, you get the criticisms.”

The latest criticism focused on the City Council’s decision to give prime developer status to Long-Island-based design firm Advanced American Engineering. The move came without public participation.

Passero said he’d been “shaking the trees for years” trying to get someone interested in pitching ideas for the waterfront. He argues the council members understand they needed to give the firm incentive to develop its plans and will have the final say on any decisions.

“The city is still going to decide if they’re happy with whatever development they come forward with,” he said.

“This election Tuesday was the people speaking. I served on three councils and worked with three councils as mayor,” Passero said. “I couldn’t be more pleased with their work. We didn’t agree on everything, such as the repeal of the (police staffing) ordinance, but they understood the proposals and took some real political risks to better the city.”

One of those risks, he said, was agreeing to sell the Richard R. Martin Center to a developer before a plan was in place to construct a community recreation center.

In the coming months, Passero said the council members will have a lot on their plate.

“We’re going to be presenting this council with more ambitious development proposals,” Passero said. “(American Rescue Plan Act) spending will be ongoing. It’s going to be a very, very busy time even while they balance the usual business of the city.”

One of the proposals expected to come before the new council will be an idea to create a Tax Increment Financing District in the Garfield Mills neighborhood. Passero said it would be used to rehabilitate neighborhoods, incentivize investment and stimulate development while addressing blight.

Passero said he maintains an open-door policy and invites new members of the council to meet with him and department heads. “They have as much access as they want.”

g.smith@theday.com