Council deadlocks 10-10 on GBTA appointment for Christopher Pettinella after split debate

The Trumbull Town Council voted to reject First Selectman Vicki A. Tesoro’s appointment of Christopher Pettinella to the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority after a 10-10 tie vote on June 1.

The appointment touched off a heated debate during which supporters praised Pettinella’s community involvement and willingness to learn. “He brings humility,” Councilman Michael Buswell said in support, noting Pettinella’s pledge to prepare before votes. Several public speakers likewise urged the council to confirm him.

Opponents, including Councilman Jason Marsh, said their objection was not age or ambition but Pettinella’s recent public statements and judgment. Marsh said Pettinella posted incorrect information about GBTA funding and questioned whether that indicated weak decision-making. Pettinella responded that he did not file a petition for another office but signed it, that he had ridden local buses to learn users’ needs and intended to do homework before voting. “I will do my due diligence before voting on any agenda item,” he said.

First Selectman Tesoro described the appointment as part of a bipartisan effort to find a role that would provide Pettinella local-government experience and to avoid the cost of a special election, which she said had been estimated by some at up to $40,000. Tesoro said she continued to support the nominee and left the decision to the council’s independent review.

The roll-call vote ended in a 10-10 tie, which failed to confirm Pettinella. Ten council members voted against; ten voted in favor. The council did not take an immediate follow-up action on the nomination.

The council meeting record shows a mix of public comments that largely supported Pettinella’s appointment and criticized the tone of the committee interview process, while council debate focused on the nominee’s judgment and readiness to work within a board structure. The appointment remains unconfirmed following the tie vote.