New Britain spends $100,000 on p.r. on landlord law

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (AP) — New Britain Mayor Tim O'Brien has hired a $100,000-a-year public relations consultant to counter opposition from landlords angry at a city ordinance that fines owners of properties with high numbers of police calls.

The Hartford Courant reports that two Council members oppose the move.

O'Brien, a Democrat, announced on Christmas Eve that the city hired the consultant, which advises prominent Democrats such as Rep. John Larson and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

The mayor says the firm will to help correct misinformation about New Britain's ordinance, which generated intense opposition from landlords. He says officials want to make sure city residents are not swayed by opponents.

Council members David DeFronzo and Larry Hermanowski said they oppose the cost. Hermanowski says it's not the proper time to spend $100,000.

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Information from: The Hartford Courant