Finizio Nominates Efrain Dominguez For Water & Water Pollution Control Authority

Mayor Daryl Finizio has nominated Efrain Dominguez for a seat on the Water & Water Pollution Control Authority, saying Dominguez is the first Latino nominated to a board or agency created by the City Charter in New London's history.

The seven-member board manages water and sewer infrastructure in the region and sets the rates on these services. Under the city charter, members serve five-year terms and the mayor's nominations must be approved by the City Council.

“I am deeply impressed by Efrain Dominguez’s commitment to our community and to public service," Finizio said in a statement. "He is an up and coming young leader in our city. He is a very qualified individual to serve in this important post and I am proud to make this historic nomination."

Dominguez has taught social studies at the Dual Language & Arts Magnet Middle School since 2009. He earned an associate's degree in general studies from Mitchell College, a bachelor of science degree in Spanish from Eastern Connecticut State University, and a master's degree in education from the University of New Haven.

Dominguez has also served on the Democratic Town Committee since January of 2012. He has done volunteer work with the Special Olympics and served as director of Christian education at the Oasis of Restoration Church. Dominguez formerly coached the New London High School wrestling team.

"I want to thank the mayor for this nomination," Dominguez said in a statement. "I welcome this exciting opportunity to serve the city that I love."

Clark van der Lyke, a former city clerk for New London, said he concluded that Dominguez was the first Latino candidate for a charter-created board or agency after reviewing available records.

"I have examined our records for the charter specific boards and agencies (WPCA, Ethics Board, Finance Board, and Planning & Zoning) going back as long as our records have been kept and have not identified any appointee of Latin American heritage who has served before," he said.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.