Another Department Head in the Bronin Administration is calling it quits. Marilyn Cruz-Aponte, Hartford's Director of Public Works, has apparently notified Bronin's Office that her last day will be March 10, 2017.
Cruz-Aponte is the latest Department Head to leave a struggling City Hall. Hartford's Chief Information Officer (CIO) Sabina Sitaru left the Administration as of December 30, 2016. Sitaru was often credited with innovative techniques to deliver services to the people of Hartford as well as keeping various information technologies up and running for City Hall and the Hartford Board of Education.
Sitaru and her Department (MHIS)were also responsible for the creation of the Hartford Open Data Portal which allows the public to view City Hall data such as expense payments, building permits and other information that wasn't previously available to the public without a trip to City Hall.
Although I have never had the opportunity to deal with Cruz -Aponte, I can say that Sabina's vision and professionalism will be sorely missed by both her staff and residents alike.
In addition to the DPW Director and the CIO, I am being told by City Hall sources that Hartford's Health Director may also be planning his exit soon.
In addition, it would appear that Mayor Bronin's Suburban City Hall tour is not being received as well as expected. As of this week , plainclothes Hartford Police Officer's have been shadowing Bronin. The HPD Officers have been deployed in the crowd as Bronin speaks. This security detail has been confirmed by sources at HPD, although they would not comment on the reason or if credible threats have been received or who requested the protection.
Maybe it is time for a little self reflection by those at City Hall to figure out what is happening.