After announcing right after the elections that he would audit the city’s books, New Britain’s newly elected mayor has put the long-time tax collector on leave as officials investigate what he called “years of alleged financial malfeasance.”
Democratic Mayor Bobby Sanchez did not give specifics, and suspended Tax Collector Cheryl Blogoslawski did not respond to a request for comment.
City hall staff were notified late last week that Blogoslawski was on paid administrative leave, and Sanchez’s office issued a statement late Tuesday morning saying that happened because they mayor had heard about wrongdoing involving city funds.
“Upon learning of the allegations, Mayor Sanchez immediately directed that an independent investigation be conducted to ensure a thorough and impartial review of the facts. That investigation is currently active and ongoing,” his office said.
When asked for details, Sanchez’s office replied “The city can not speculate on figures or characterize potential findings while the independent investigation remains ongoing. No final determinations have been made.”
Blogoslawski was first elected tax collector in 2007 and worked under the administrations of three mayors: Republicans Erin Stewart and her father Timothy as well as Democrat Tim O’Brien. She won re-election repeatedly on the GOP ticket until a recent charter change transformed the job to an appointed position, and Erin Stewart kept her in the office.
Blogoslawski is a sister of the late Linda Blogoslawski, the city’s first female mayor.
The action immediately stirred party-line quarreling in New Britain, a city with bitter political divisions. Democrats on social media proclaimed the situation shows poor leadership by Stewart, who is now running for governor on a theme that she turned New Britain around during her 12 years as mayor. City Republicans dismissed it as a politically motivated smear, and said Sanchez’s administration should put forward more details.
Stewart on Tuesday shared the GOP view.
“I think it would be irresponsible to give my opinion on something where I have no information on what the specific allegations are,” she said.
“However, I will say that I’ve always known Cheryl to be dedicated to the city as her family has a long history of service,” Stewart said. “There are many people in this community who are questioning this ‘investigation’ and its motives.”
City hall has undergone several personnel changes in the past half-year, which is not uncommon when a longtime administration comes to an end. But in New Britain’s case, it means there is now an interim finance director and interim tax collector in the heart of budget-setting season.