By D.M.Livingston|Published Dec 1, 2025

WATERBURY — On the very night he was sworn in, Alderman Feliciano-Roman made an assertive entrance onto the city’s political stage, challenging the Board of Aldermen’s Rules Packages during the meeting portion of Monday’s inauguration at Kennedy High School.

What began as a ceremonial evening quickly shifted into substantive political maneuvering when Feliciano-Roman questioned the structure and clarity of the rules presented by BOA President Michael DiGiovancarlo. He formally called on Corporation Counsel to clarify multiple points, pressing for technical accuracy and greater functionality in how the Board conducts its business.

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After narrowly losing his bid for BOA President earlier in the evening, Feliciano-Roman introduced a motion to amend the Rules Packages. The motion was seconded by Alderman Sandra Martinez-McCarthy, marking the first coordinated action between the two newly elected Democrats.

Feliciano-Roman argued that the Board’s procedural framework needed modernization and improved transparency, asserting that the rules “must support efficiency and accountability” for the city’s legislative body.

Waterbury City Hall & Local Government –

A Sign of Division Inside Waterbury’s Democratic Party?

While rule debates are common at reorganizational meetings, the public challenge—paired with the visible alliance between Feliciano-Roman and Martinez-McCarthy—stood out as an early sign of political realignment.

Both Aldermen broke from Waterbury’s traditional Democratic power structure, opting to run their own campaign outside of Mayor Pernerewski’s Team, signaling the possibility of a new faction within the majority party. Their willingness to confront the leadership’s rules package on Day One suggests a more independent bloc may be forming within the BOA.

To add to the intrigue the motion was supported by Newly elected Minority Leader Kelly Zimmerman and newly elected Mike Grosso (R)

Political observers at the ceremony noted the tension, describing the exchange as the first meaningful indication of a shift in internal dynamics that could impact votes, alliances, and the direction of policy debates in the months ahead.

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The Vote

To amend Rules Package

Yes-6 No-9 ( the amendment failed )

There was more…

5th District Alderman Feliciano-Roman also called into question Robert’s Rules-of Governing and whether or not Michael DiGiovancarlo, as president, can debate while presiding. This question left the meeting at a stand still until Alderman Mosley was recognized in order to answer the question. The crux of the issue was a technical operational change which may have been a power flex from the newly elected Feliciano-Roman. This motion failed as well, however narrowly.

Yes-7 No-8

What This Means Going Forward

As the 2025–2027 term begins, all eyes will be on whether this early clash represents a temporary disagreement over procedure—or the start of a deeper and more sustained ideological divide within the city’s governing majority.

The Waterbury Times will continue monitoring developments, committee assignments, and voting patterns as the new Board of Aldermen begins its work.

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