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Efrain Dominguez elected council president; Akhil Peck chosen president pro tem; committee rosters set
Summary
The New London City Council elected Councilor Efrain Dominguez as council president and Councilor Akhil Peck as president pro tem, administered oaths and announced committee assignments for the coming term.
Efrain Dominguez was elected council president by voice vote during the Dec. 2, 2024 New London City Council meeting and was sworn into office that evening. Councilor Akhil Peck was elected president pro tem and was also sworn in.
The leadership votes came after nominations and seconds from council members and a closure of nominations by voice vote. City Clerk Jonathan Ayala administered the oaths for both positions. Dominguez then received a ceremonial gavel and brief remarks thanking colleagues, staff and family.
Why it matters: Council leadership determines committee chairs and agenda-setting influence for the council’s term. After the elections, council leadership announced committee chairs and membership for public safety, public works, public welfare, parks and recreation, economic development, finance and administration.
Most immediate details: President Dominguez said he will chair the public safety committee; members named included Councilors Amar Nertates (member listing as announced) and Jocelyn Rosario. Public works was assigned to Councilor John DeSantis as chair with Alma Nertates as a member. Parks and Recreation was named with Councilor Jeff Hart as chair and John DeSantis and Councilor Rosario listed as members. Economic Development will be chaired by Councilor Reona Dice with President Dominguez and Councilor Hart as members. Finance will be chaired by Councilor Alma (surname as announced) with John DeSantis and President Dominguez as members. Administration committee will be chaired by Councilor Rosario with Councilor Dice and President Pro Tem Peck as members. The president repeated the committee line-up aloud for the record and responded to a request to repeat the public safety chair assignment.
Context and next steps: The council recessed briefly after appointments. Several members used the swearing-in and remarks to thank staff and family and to emphasize service to residents. Committee assignments will shape which councilors lead reviews of budgets, capital projects and policy proposals over the coming months.
The meeting proceeded to consent items and other agenda business after the leadership and committee announcements.
