Who is Mary Fitzsimmons and why is she funding Kirton’s narcissistic write-in campaign?

Campaign finance filings are interesting reading. As of Sept. 30, the Write-in Rickford Kirton PAC had received donations totaling $8,650. While the total might lead some to conclude widespread Bloomfield support, cursory examination reveals that’s not the case:

• $7,000 of the total came in seven $1,000 (the maximum allowed) contributions and
• Of those contributions only two came from Bloomfield residents; the other $5,000 came from West Hartford.

Who is Mary Fitzsimmons?

Mary Fitzsimmons is a West Hartford Republican who consistently donates thousands of dollars to Kirton’s quixotic primary campaigns, unbundling her contributions by donating through her husband and other family members. This time she’s given $3,000; for the unnecessary (and costly to the town) primary she gave $2,000. Who is she and why is she so interested in promoting Kirton for a seat on Bloomfield’s Town Council? What business does she have with the town that she expects Kirton to help with, should he be elected?

Who else contributed?

The other big contributor to Kirton is Bloomfield liquor magnate Ross Hollander. His $1,000 contribution, and the $2,000 (unbundled) contribution of his Hartford Distributors associate Shelley Kroll (who lives in West Hartford), are on top of the $4,000 he directed to Kirton’s unsuccessful primary challenge. What’s Hollander’s angle? Does he want a role as a Bloomfield political kingmaker? Is Kirton an investment, like his liquor empire?

What about Kirton himself?

You might also ask how much has Kirton contributed to his campaigns: the budget referendum, the recent primary, and the write-in effort? Unsurprising answer: $0.

Influence money in politics is nothing new. We tend to believe that it largely occurs at the state and federal level, not at the municipal level outside of big cities like Hartford and Bridgeport. Sadly, that’s not the case; it appears that it’s now in Bloomfield too. What’s galling is that politicians for sale like Kirton always try to paint themselves as independent “voices of the people.” Don’t be fooled – follow the money.

Municipal candidate filings are available for review at the Bloomfield Town Clerk’s office.