Finizio's Election Foe Plans Wednesday Protest

A candidate who ran against Mayor Daryl Finizio in the November election is organizing a protest against the mayor, accusing him of multiple missteps in his first month in office.

Lori Hopkins-Cavanagh says the event will take place at 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday outside the . The protest will coincide with Finizio's appearance at a "State of New London" event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.

"We believe New London cannot endure Mayor Finizio's inept and corrupt leadership for four years," said Hopkins-Cavanagh in a press release. "We believe New London is better served with Councilor [Michael] Passero as mayor and for Mr. Finizio to resign."

Hopkins-Cavanagh said Finizio has "used the turmoil at our police department for self-serving political advantage, creating mayhem, unnecessary litigation and sacrificing public and employee safety." She also accused him of hiring unqualified municipal employees and failing to communicate effectively with the on , and criticized his .

Hopkins-Cavanagh, a real estate broker and owner of , ran as an independent candidate in the mayoral election. Her platform included a number of development initiatives, including razing the high-rise Thames River Apartments and converting the into a visitors center. She finished fifth out of six contenders with 96 votes.

The State of New London is an annual address hosted by the Chamber, and it will take place at 8 a.m. on Wednesday at the Garde Arts Center. Finizio and Bill Morse, president of the Board of Education, will "give an update on what you can expect as either a business owner or resident in the city of New London," according to the Chamber website. The cost is $5 for Chamber members and $10 for non-members.