As jurors deliberate over fraud charges against former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, back in his hometown of New Britain it’s a street sign inscribed with the Manafort name that’s the talk of the town.
“I think there’s always gonna be that Paul Manafort Junior stink over it,” said Justin Vega of New Britain.
But Paul Manafort Drive, near the Central Connecticut State University campus, was never named after him, it was named after his father, Paul Manafort Senior. After a public petition to name the street after someone else, the mayor decided instead to tweak the sign, adding Sr. to the end to make sure there’s no confusion between father and son.
“I appreciate that. Things that get changed like that even though it’s small it’s important to do that,” said CCSU student Gina Pelligrinelli of Glastonbury.
“I feel like if they’re making the change it’s kind of blowing it out of proportion,” said Joel Garcia of Bristol.
“Unfortunately, those who are not aware of the City of New Britain’s story do not know or understand the big difference between Paul Manafort Senior and Junior. Senior was a former mayor, a veteran, and someone who served our City well,” said Mayor Erin Stewart.
“I don’t know how much it’s going to cost the city but I think it’s a really good step to keep Paul Manafort Senior’s work intact,” Vega added.
Manafort Senior actually faced corruption charges of his own in the 80s but was never convicted.
