Meriden council rejects mayor’s constituent caseworker pick in 8‑4 vote

Meriden’s City Council on Dec. 15 voted 8‑4 to reject Mayor Kevin Scarpieri’s nomination of Robert E. Kaczynski Jr. for the constituent caseworker role, setting up a requirement that the mayor submit an alternate nominee before the next regular meeting.

The clerk read a resolution rejecting the mayor’s recommendation and instructing the mayor to recommend another individual. Supporters of Kaczynski — including multiple councilors who praised his 12 years of constituent work and relationships with service providers — said his institutional knowledge helps residents navigate services. "Residents know Rob. They trust him to listen and follow through," one councilor said during debate.

Opponents argued the council has authority to seek a different resource and emphasized the need for a staff member who aligns with the current council’s priorities. A number of written public comments read into the record urged the council not to reject the mayor’s nominee, with one email describing the rejection as appearing to be partisan or nepotistic.

Mayor Scarpieri read a letter submitted by Kaczynski, who did not attend the meeting, summarizing his 12 years of service and partnerships with local nonprofits and city departments. The mayor said he had no reason not to reappoint Kaczynski and noted the charter allows the mayor to offer up to three nominees; if all three are rejected, the council chooses among them.

After debate and a roll call, the motion to reject the appointment passed 8‑4. The mayor must present a different nominee at the next meeting per the charter process. The council’s resolution and the roll call vote were recorded in the meeting minutes.