Hartford Mayor-elect Luke Bronin says he's going to take a pass on the traditional inaugural ball, and he'll just take the oath of office in the early morning hours of 2016.
Bronin campaigned on a message that Hartford had problems -- issues with public safety, education, job creation, and more. So a big, fancy ball wouldn't exactly match that tone. But he said his decision to forgo the ball isn't about messaging. It's about priorities.
"In that first critical few months of an administration, I think it's important to focus on getting to the work of the people of Hartford rather than planning a party," Bronin said.
The city's next mayor said he hopes people who would have spent money on ball tickets will put that money to use in the community. And he says that four years from now -- maybe that will be the time to celebrate.
